Jacobsen, the turf maintenance equipment manufacturer based in Charlotte, NC, has introduced the industry’s first 15-blade reel, designed to provide increased productivity, a superior quality of cut and optimum turf health.
The new Jacobsen Classic XP 15-blade reel provides superior performance and increased benefits for the Jacobsen range of Eclipse greens mowers – the Eclipse 100 walk-behind series and the new Eclipse 322 ride-on series.
All Eclipse series mowers feature independent electric motors which control the traction and the cutting reels. Using electronics it is possible to maintain frequency of clip (FOC) independent to operational mow speed. This means that no matter who is operating the mower, the FOC set by the superintendent or technician will be maintained across all greens at all speeds.
By utilizing the new Jacobsen Classic XP 15-blade reel the desired FOC and reel speed can be maintained, while operating mow speed can be increased up to 36%, substantially increasing productivity.
The additional blades provide a tighter FOC, reducing stragglers, yielding a smoother surface and delivering the ability to raise the height of cut without compromising ball speed. This superior quality of cut is a significant feature and one that will be welcomed by superintendents around the globe.
Raising the height of cut minimizes damage and stress on the turf, can result in a reduction of water usage and treatment costs, which all help promote optimum turf health.
The introduction of the new 15-blade reel is a continuation of the Classic XP reel technology. Precision engineered and tuned, Classic XP reels stay true and maintain consistent rotation within their center point. They also feature Advanced Relief Technology with 45-degree relief, which delivers less wear and abrasion and significantly extends the life of the blades.
Jacobsen conducted thorough testing of these new reels at numerous golf courses around the world. One of these was the Quail Hollow Club, which plays host to the Wells Fargo Championship in May. They have been testing the new reels since June 2010 and head technician Jerry Blackwelder said, “We found a significant improvement in our putting surfaces when we used the 15-blade reels in our Eclipse walking mowers. We were also able to increase our walking speed and productivity, but maintain the desired frequency of cut.”
Rachel Luken, Jacobsen’s product manager added, “Using the new Jacobsen Classic XP™ 15-blade reel in conjunction with the Jacobsen Eclipse greens mowers, provides superintendents with the ability to fine tune the link between operating mow speed, reel speed and height of cut to achieve tournament-standard greens. We see this as another innovative solution to ensure consistency of play across all greens.”
Ransomes Jacobsen www.ransomesjacobsen.com